The preliminary hearing began Wednesday in the case against a 32-year-old San Mateo resident charged with two counts of murder for allegedly strangling his pregnant girlfriend, killing both her and her unborn child, San Mateo County Chief Deputy District Attorney Shin-Mee Chang said.Â
Five individuals testified for the DA’s Office March 12, including the mother-in-law of the victim, 37-year-old Kirsten Castle. Two police officers, the individual who found the victim after her death and Castle’s doctor also testified, Chang said.Â
Defendant Andrew Coleman, who previously pleaded not guilty to the charges, faces life in prison without parole if convicted, the DA’s Office said previously.Â
He allegedly strangled Castle in the family room of their shared San Mateo apartment Aug. 4. Castle — who was eight months pregnant with Coleman’s child — was found by her young daughter topless on the floor, according to the DA’s Office, with neighbors and relatives showing up to the scene soon after. Coleman then allegedly fled the scene in Castle’s car and stole $37,000 from a safe belonging to Castle and was unresponsive to calls.Â
Within about five hours of arriving on the scene, police identified and arrested Coleman, who was driving to Southern California and was apprehended by the West Covina Police Department.
The preliminary hearing was continued to April 30, when more individuals will testify, Chang said.
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